Copying letters to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF): Letter content and patient perceptions of benefit

Abstract

Background Copying letters involves generating an extra copy of all correspondence between healthcare professionals about the patient, to the patient. Aims To determine if the letter content was meaningful to the patient and to establish patient perceptions of copying letters from outpatient clinic visits. Methods To assess letter content, a copy of all outpatient clinic letters were collected during a one month period and each copy was assessed for the use of plain English using the Drivel Defence software. To establish patient perceptions, patients completed a questionnaire relating to the potential advantages and disadvantages of copying letters. Results Eighty letters were assessed for content. 77/80 (96.3%) of the letters had ≥ 50% of sentences with < 20 words. The mean (SD) sentence length was 15 (3) words. Abbreviations were minimal in most letters (71/80, 89%). Most letters explained the patient's clinical status in a meaningful way (76/80, 95%). Fifty patients completed a questionnaire. The large majority (46/50, 92%) “strongly agreed" or “agreed" that they felt more involved by receiving a copy. Most patients (48/50, 96%) would rather receive a copy with 40/50 (80%) reporting advantages. Conclusion Copying letters is well received amongst patients with CF, with numerous advantages and few disadvantages reported.